Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer's former chief of staff, and Philip Barton, ex-top official at the Foreign Office (FCDO), are set to appear before the foreign affairs select committee on Tuesday. Their testimony marks a pivotal moment in the escalating crisis over Peter Mandelson's vetting for US ambassador, a controversy that jeopardises Starmer's premiership.
Background to the Scandal
The prime minister faces a crucial parliamentary vote on whether he misled MPs by claiming "full due process" was followed in Mandelson's appointment. The Guardian revealed that Mandelson received security clearance despite vetting officials recommending denial. Starmer told the Commons that he and ministers were unaware of the failed "developed vetting" by UK Security Vetting (UKSV), blaming Olly Robbins, who succeeded Barton as FCDO top civil servant in January 2025. After the Guardian's report, Starmer sacked Robbins, who then gave his account last Tuesday.
Key Questions for the Witnesses
MPs are expected to probe several critical issues:
- Due process: Starmer's claim that "full due process" was followed. McSweeney has taken "full responsibility" for advising the appointment, but that concerns judgment, not process. Both officials can clarify procedural steps.
- Vetting necessity: Robbins stated Barton was "very firm in person" with the Cabinet Office to insist on developed vetting for Mandelson, despite a Cabinet Office position that a peer and privy counsellor might not need it. The Cabinet Office disputes this, suggesting the FCDO proposed no vetting. Barton and McSweeney can shed light on this debate.
- Pressure on FCDO: Starmer denied any pressure, but Robbins claimed "constant pressure" from Downing Street about when Mandelson would be in post, not whether. He noted Barton's handover contributed to a sense of "atmosphere of pressure." McSweeney may be asked about his role.
- Pre-clearance access: Mandelson received a pass to the FCDO building and higher-classification briefings before vetting completion, highly unusual according to a former official. Barton may explain his role in facilitating this.
- Vetting decision details: The FCDO's head of security, Ian Collard, was sent questions but will not appear. Barton and McSweeney might explain why Collard cannot testify, despite having done so previously for another committee.
The hearings could provide crucial insights into the processes and pressures that led to the current political crisis.
